<p>So D's best friend is a rising senior whose parent isn't into looking at schools with her D (let's call her J). They haven't even started. I found this out when my D and "J" were hanging out yesterday. I asked J if she had decided what she wants to get into at college. She mentioned that her mom always talks about looking at schools but hasn't got around to it. J doesn't know where to start so I offered to help her find some schools she can look into- a place to start.</p>
<p>I'm hoping the learned and experienced CC folks can offer some suggestions. Here's her stats:</p>
<p>IB Student with an unweighted 3.7 GPA
She has an IEP for dyslexia and dyscalculia (similar to dyslexia but math related)
Her SAT scores are R500 M430 and W410- not high but with her disabilities not too bad considering. She's a very intellectual, articulate, and I can see her going places. </p>
<p>She's interested in International Affairs (Relations?) at a small to mid size school <5K students). I'm not sure what her mom can afford, pretty sure not the elites as J was talking about scholarship money in order to attend. She's not tied to any particular state as she has family everywhere.</p>
<p>I would appreciate some advice from anyone who has been there, done that.</p>
<p>With those scores, she should probably look at the test optional schools. I agree that foreign language can be an issue - it’s been a real issue for my youngest which he has ameliorated to some extent with immersion stays in a country where his language is spoken. (His school requires an unusual amount of language for IR - fluency or 8 semesters, luckily most schools will be more lenient.)</p>
<p>American is an obvious place to look as it’s started a pilot test optional program. I have no idea if she’d be likely to get any merit money as in the past it seemed to be a combination of SAT scores and grades. Mini’s daughter attended despite low scores and did very well there. I think it’s probably particularly well suited to a student who would like a bit more emphasis on practical experience than scholarship.</p>
<p>I saw that you live in Virginia. Depending on what her parents can afford, she might want to check out University of Mary Washington or Christopher Newport. I believe UMW has a pretty good international affairs department although it’s fairly isolated. Not sure about CNU, but it’s one of Virginia’s less selective smaller schools.</p>
<p>She has completed 4 years of German without problems. This last year was IB German and she had a B+ for the overall grade. She worked very hard to get it.</p>
<p>Seconding American University. She also might want to check out University of Denver. I think I saw somewhere that they also were thinking of going test optional. And what about Dickinson?</p>
<p>American gave my daughter a very good financial aid package. She didn’t receive any merit awards - it was a very large grant, work study, and Stafford loans. She did submit ACT scores which were okay, but not spectacular (but higher than J’s SAT scores). Not sure if American will withhold aid if a student is test optional. She had a similar GPA and took lots of AP classes which I’ve heard are easier than IB classes. We live in the Northwest and it’s possible her location helped with the financial aid and she wasn’t interested in their most popular majors which could have also helped. </p>
<p>Just wanted to let you know that it is worth applying to a college with the understanding that if the FA package is not feasible, you just don’t pick that school. BTW, my D decided to attend George Washington University which also had a great FA package. It was just a better fit for her but she did like American and they were very, very nice and helpful during the application process. I was actually sad when she had to tell them she wouldn’t be attending.</p>
<p>Check out Seton Hall University in NJ. Less selective than AU. I think there are some good posts on here about their programs and the proximity to the UN for internships.</p>
<p>“American University (AU) is continuing its test-optional pilot program for the 2014 fall semester. This program is open to all applicants (Early Decision and Regular Decision) for fall 2014.”</p>
<p>“Please note that applying under the test-optional program will not affect your consideration for merit awards or admission into the University Honors Program.”</p>
<p>Great timing. </p>
<p>Add American onto her list. If she ends up getting accepted and the bottom line costs are too expensive, no harm done----just decline the offer of admissions and pick a more affordable option.</p>
<p>American also has a well regarded disabilities office. Provided the finances work, it could be the perfect place for this girl, though it is somewhat larger than she had in mind.</p>
<p>Every student should take both the SAT and the ACT. They are very different tests, and many people do better on one than the other. The ACT is particularly good for students who are better in science than math. </p>
<p>My daughter also liked the timing and order of the ACT much better.</p>
<p>Another good school you might have her look at for political sciences/IR is Drew University in NJ, which has great internship ties in NYC (UN!!) as well as other opportunities in DC and London. </p>